Hummingbird Feeders

Hummingbird "nectar" is made by mixing 1 part sugar to 4 parts water. Bring water to a boil and pour over sugar. Stir solution and let cool to room temperature before pouring into the feeder. Extra nectar may be stored in the refrigerator.

Weaker sugar solutions will be less attractive to hummingbirds, and stronger solutions may be harmful. Never make the solution from honey, because fermented honey can cause a fatal fungal disease in hummingbirds.

It is unnecessary to add red dye to the solution since hummingbirds are attracted to the red coloring of the feeder. If your feeder does not have red on it, you can use red nail polish to paint the color near the openings. Commercial "nectar" mixes are available but are no better than those you make yourself. For more information on hummingbirds see Attracting Hummingbirds.